UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Senior Ally McHugh was an event winner in the Penn State women's swimming & diving team's season opener, but No. 7 Virginia prevailed, 172-121, Saturday inside Virginia's Aquatic and Fitness center.
Quoting The Coaches
Head Coach Tim Murphy
"It was a tough test for us having our first meet on the road against a really good team. I liked our energy and I thought we raced well in spots, but we have a lot of work to do. We just need to learn from this meet. I think the effort was good, we just have to be a little smarter and a little tougher. It was a good kick start for us."
Diving Coach Jeff DiNicola
"As a team we have a lot of work ahead of us this season, but early in the year was a good start. It was also a good measure to see what's working and where we need to make some adjustments. I have high expectations for this group and am excited to see it all play out and make an impact for team results.
"Christina Crowell had a solid meet and a lot of the work that she has been putting in showed up today. She was very close to making her zone cuts.
"Jonah Cey had a nervous start but found a little of his grove for the second event. I only expect him to get better as his college meet experiences grow.
"Hector Garcia Boissier was solid in his event with some simpler skills but still qualified for zones."
Top Individual Performances
McHugh earned three top-three finishes and led Penn State in a sweep of the 1000 Free. McHugh claimed the first place with a time of 9:52.54, and was followed by freshman Madison Murtagh and sophomore Stephanie Szekely, who completed the swim with times of 10:06.67 and 10:13.34, respectively.
McHugh then led another Nittany Lion trio in the 500 free, placing second in 4:51.23, with Murtagh (4:55.33) and Camryn Barry (4:57.47) following in order. McHugh also took third in the 200 butterfly coming up two seconds short with a time of 2:02.28.
Sophomore Carly Hart added to Penn State's total, placing second in the 200 breaststroke (2:17.10) and third in the 100 breast (1:03.38).
Additionally, Maddie Hart took third in the 100 back (56.38) and 100 fly (56.39).
Junior Christina Crowell led the divers, taking second place in the 1-meter by earning 261.45 points and third in the 3-meter with 266.03 points.
Next Up
Penn State will host George Washington in McCoy Natatorium Friday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
Check GoPSUSports.com for coverage of the Penn State swimming and diving teams during the season. Follow the team on Twitter at @PennStateSWIM and on Facebook at facebook.com/pennstateswimminganddiving.
